Concerns after man found dead in March

A man in his 70s was reported to have laid dead for days in a March sheltered housing complex before being found by his neighbours.

Now relatives of tenants in Morton Avenue are raising concerns about the lack of wardens looking after pensioners.

An ambulance was called to the complex on December 28 after neighbours had become concerned that they had not seen the man for some time.

The housing complex is run by Circle Roddons but the alarm system is provided by Centra Pulse.

A concerned family member of a resident of the Morton Avenue elderly people’s complex said: “It’s very worrying that something like this could go undiscovered for so long.

“We always thought that there was an alarm call system in place for residents to use if they’re in distress; does this mean that there isn’t warden cover in place now?

“I hope Roddons look into this fully to ensure it doesn’t happen again – for the peace of mind of residents and their families.”

A Centra spokesman said: “We are very sorry to hear of this tragic situation and our thoughts are with the family and friends of the deceased.

“Due to funding reductions over a number of years there are no longer wardens at sheltered schemes and for the past 12 months staff have been community-based, providing support to older adults across Fenland as well as those in sheltered housing.

“All scheme residents are given the option of support if they meet the eligibility criteria for the service and they also have access to an emergency alarm system in their home, putting them immediately in touch with help if they need it.

“Centra staff visited the tenant as arranged shortly before Christmas and immediately responded to the emergency alarm when it was activated on December 28.”